Independence

Independence is an amazing thing.  I recall moving into my first "real" apartment after college.  My parents were no longer footing the bill.  I had no roommates.  I was responsible for everything: decorating, cooking, cleaning...  My complete independence had begun!


What seems like ages since then, I've now learned that independence comes in cycles.  We're continually moving through periods where we become dependent on things and/or people.  Or, others are becoming dependent of us.  Such is the case with parenting.

This past week, I have been working with my Sweet Pea on her own independence...mainly so that I can once again have my independence (at least during meal times so that I can sit down and enjoy a hot meal).  We've been working on using utensils to eat, eating finger foods (although nearly every food has become a "finger" food whether I want it to be or not...think applesauce all over the floor!), and entertaining ourselves.  These skills, as with true independence, don't come easy.  They are all baby steps.  But, each step - no matter how small - is a step forwards.

The same can be true for living frugally.  Looking at life in portions has helped me to slowly cut the unneeded out of my life.  I pick one area and work on that until I've got it under control.  Then, I work on another area while continuing to maintain the first.  Doing all of this so that I eventually gain another level of independence.

My independence, as with my Sweet Pea's, comes slowly, but it's moving forwards.  This month, didn't succeed at not going to the grocery store, but I managed to not buy any more items for my pantry.  That's a step forwards for me! 

I hope you're moving forwards in your goals too.